The United States has authorized $15.67 billion in military equipment sales to Israel and Saudi Arabia, with the State Department confirming Friday comprehensive packages designed to strengthen allied capabilities and address evolving regional threats. Israel’s $6.67 billion allocation and Saudi Arabia’s $9 billion package represent substantial American investments during a period marked by ongoing ceasefire challenges in Gaza and mounting geopolitical tensions.
Israel’s acquisition program prioritizes modernization across multiple capability areas through strategic procurement initiatives spanning four distinct categories. Apache attack helicopters represent the flagship investment at $3.8 billion for 30 aircraft equipped with sophisticated rocket systems and state-of-the-art targeting technology. The State Department indicated that the United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability.
These advanced helicopters will provide Israeli forces with improved precision operations capacity, enhanced surveillance capabilities, and superior operational flexibility for diverse mission requirements. Transportation modernization receives substantial attention through 3,250 light tactical vehicles purchased for $1.98 billion, designed to revolutionize how Israeli Defense Forces deploy personnel and logistics, enabling forces to move personnel and logistics to extend lines of communication across extended operational areas. Supplementary purchases include $740 million for armored vehicle power system modernization and $150 million for light utility helicopters.
The Saudi procurement concentrates exclusively on defensive enhancement through 730 Patriot missiles and supporting infrastructure valued at $9 billion. The State Department emphasized that the enhanced capability will protect land forces of Saudi Arabia, the United States, and local allies, while significantly improving Saudi Arabia’s contribution to the integrated air and missile defense system in the region, supporting a major non-NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf Region.
Congressional oversight has become a flashpoint of controversy, with Democratic leadership challenging the approval process and consultation procedures. Representative Gregory Meeks accused the Trump administration of rushing to announce the deals for Israel in a way that would disregard congressional oversight and years of standing practice, while blatantly ignoring long-standing congressional prerogatives and refusing to engage Congress on critical questions about Gaza and broader U.S.-Israel policy.